The suspect in the killing of a 16-year-old student whose body was found in a sack floating in the Panikion River in Sitio Morente, Brgy. Cabahug, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, on Sunday has been arrested.
Lt. Col. Gil John Despi, Cadiz police chief, said on Monday that murder charges would initially be filed against the 48-year-old suspect to ensure that he cannot gain temporary liberty.
They are waiting for a post-mortem examination before rape charges can also be filed against him, the police chief said.
The victim who was half naked sustained 11 stab wounds, many to the neck, Despi said.
The 16-year-old was last seen alive at school on Friday afternoon and her parents reported to the police that she was missing when she did not return home.
The teen was walking through a secluded area on her way home at about 5:30 to 6 p.m. Friday when the suspect is believed to have waylaid her, Despi said.
A witness identified the 48-year-old suspect, and a kitchen knife was recovered, Despi said.
A source said the suspect is cane cutter who hardly talks.
The suspect later confessed to the killing but the police are still determining if there were others involved.*